KUALA LUMPUR − Malaysian Football Association (FAM) vice-president, Datuk Posa Majais, is taking legal action against former Sarawak Football Association (FAS) deputy president, Abdul Wahab Rahim, and the office of the director-general of Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) over alleged defamatory statements.
On February 16, Posa claimed that TV1's Berita Perdana aired a report about himself as well as statements made by Abdul Wahab concerning the plaintiff.
The statements, which Posa deems to be contentious, concerned an issue relating to Sarawak football team former coach, Ian Andrew Gillan.
According to Posa, Abdul Wahab was quoted by newscaster Syairul Islam on outstanding salaries owed to Ian during the 2018 season, saying that it should not have happened.
The presenter also said that the football team had strong finances as it was being assisted by the state government.
"This matter came about after FIFA commanded Sarawak to pay RM550,000 to Ian for salaries owed during the 2018 season,” said Posa.
"What surprised Abdul Wahab is that this issue can surface as FAS was liable for paying Ian's salaries, given the team's purse during the 2018 season, which was valued at RM13 million.
"Ian, who was appointed in December 2017, was successful in leading Sarawak to second place in the league but was given leave on August 8 after recording less satisfying achievements," the alleged defamatory statement said according to the statement of claim filed on August 24.
The plaintiff, Posa, said that the excerpt was followed by Abdul Wahab's statement at a press conference where he pointed out that in 2016, the Sarawak state government allocated RM4 million to the team.
This was followed by Syairul's statement, which said: "The claim by Ian involving around RM550,000 should have been resolved easily by Sarawak's football team.
"Abdul Wahab urged Sarawak's football team vice-president, Posa, to explain the matter and (that he) should be responsible towards the lacklustre performance, which resulted in the team competing in the M3 league."
Posa claims that the statements referred to from this news excerpt is false, as it contains accusations, assumptions and snide remarks against the plaintiff.
Additionally, he said that at the time the news was broadcasted, Abdul Wahab held no position in the Sarawak football team and made those statements with malice.
Posa also pointed out that the statements have ruined his reputation a month before FAM's elections, which he participated in.
The plaintiff now seeks an injunction against both defendants to prevent them from creating any false statements against him, an apology, as well as damages. − The Vibes, September 2, 2021
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